Fort Smith Board of Directors Regular Meeting – September 15, 2026

The Fort Smith Board of Directors held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Blue Lion. The board addressed a range of infrastructure, finance, and public health items, including a major bond issuance for Mercy Health, a lagoon cleaning contract, replacement of grit conveyors, and several consent agenda items. Public comments focused on bidding transparency, environmental concerns, and the scope of audits. An executive session provided an update on a cybersecurity event.

Consent Calendar

• September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda (Items 5A–5G) was adopted with a vote of 5 in favor and 0 opposed, with the exception of Item 5E (audit engagement) which received 4 votes in favor and 1 opposed. The consent agenda included:
  • 5A: Resolution designating a portion of North D Street as “Ravin Caldwell Way.”
  • 5B: Resolution accepting bids for 2026-2027 water and wastewater chemicals.
  • 5C: Ordinance waiving competitive bidding for purchase of CAIROX® potassium permanganate from Carus LLC at $4.40/lb (sole source).
  • 5D: Ordinance waiving competitive bidding for purchase of hydrofluorosilicic acid from Hawkins, Inc. at $0.75/lb for six months (sole source due to shortage).
  • 5E: Resolution retaining FORVIS MAZARS, LLP for the 2026 audit at a base fee of $185,000 (one director opposed).
  • 5F: Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 with Goodwin & Goodwin, Inc. for Solid Waste Services Administration Building addition ($27,600).
  • 5G: Resolution authorizing a non-residential solid waste permit with H&A Junk Removal LLC (2-year term including 5% franchise fee).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2 (Denali Lagoon Cleaning): Multiple speakers opposed the contract. Crystal Cadelli urged re-bidding to seek more competition, citing the nearly $1 million taxpayer cost and only one bid. Joy McCutcheon noted Denali’s prior odor issues in Crawford County but reported that Denali filed a lagoon closure plan that morning. Jason Skirbitz expressed distrust based on Denali’s track record. Shane McKinney stated the lagoon stench hurt his Airbnb business. Eric Widman questioned where solids would be disposed and asked to table the item. Joe Elskin supported staff’s urgency and trust in the process.
• Item 3 (Grit Conveyors): Jason Skirbitz questioned whether the low bid from Midwest Automation & Custom Fabrication included all components (e.g., installation, stands) as the other bids appeared more comprehensive.
• Item 4C (Easements): Joe Elskin asked why property owners receive a 20% valuation payment for easements and suggested donations could save money. Jason Skirbitz noted that one property’s evaluation ($34,600) was much higher than others (most under $1,000).
• Item 5A (Ravin Caldwell Way): Joey McCutcheon and Belinda Caldwell Washington spoke in support, honoring the two-time Super Bowl champion and local football hero.
• Items 5C & 5D (Sole Source Chemicals): Jason Skirbitz criticized the increasing frequency of sole-source waivers and questioned why the city does not produce its own fluoride additive.
• Item 5E (Audit Engagement): Chris Cadelli and Crystal Cadelli questioned why the Parrot Island audit was limited to agreed-upon procedures rather than a full financial audit, and whether prior audit recommendations (e.g., cybersecurity) were implemented. Crystal Cadelli also asked who made the decision to limit the Parrot Island audit scope.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Mercy Health Bonds: The board held a public hearing with no citizen comments. Director Neal Martin praised Mercy’s $212 million investment in Fort Smith facilities, including expansion of the emergency department and ICU. The resolution authorized up to $550 million in bonds, with the city assuming no financial liability. Approved unanimously.
• Item 2 – Denali Water Solutions Lagoon Cleaning: Discussion centered on the single-bid result. Director Christina Catsavis expressed frustration that despite previous promises to improve competition, only one bid was received. Director Lee Kemp raised questions about the engineering estimate ($900,000 vs. $919,000 bid) and the process for soliciting bids. Director Neil Martin asked about the feasibility of in-house work; staff noted high equipment and labor costs. Director George Catsavis questioned lagoon depth and potential alternatives. The resolution passed 4-2 (Directors Christina and George Catsavis opposed).
• Item 3 – Grit Conveyors: Staff addressed prior concerns about trough size, stainless steel grade, and warranty. The low bid from Midwest Automation ($78,822) was half the next lowest quote. Staff confirmed the equipment meets specifications and requires no installation. Approved unanimously.
• Items 4A-4C – Consent Decree Items: Approved as a batch. On Item 4C, engineering staff explained the high valuation for one property ($34,600) was due to the easement running through the middle, restricting building size. Approved unanimously.
• Items 5C & 5D – Sole Source Chemicals: Staff explained that potassium permanganate is proprietary to Carus due to existing feeding equipment, and that the six-month contract for hydrofluorosilicic acid was necessary due to a nationwide shortage caused by shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Director Christina Catsavis suggested negotiating the potassium permanganate price down from $4.40/lb. Item 5D had no additional discussion.
• Item 5E – Audit Engagement: City Administrator Jeff Dingman stated that the Parrot Island agreed-upon procedures audit was recommended by the internal auditor and CFO to address specific operational questions more effectively than a financial audit. Director George Catsavis questioned whether a full audit could uncover fraud that could be referred to the Attorney General. Director Andre’ Good and Lee Kemp noted the procedural audit revealed significant issues (e.g., late invoices, missing accounts payable) even without a financial opinion. The resolution passed 4-1 (Director George Catsavis opposed).
• Executive Session: The board convened in executive session to receive an update regarding a cybersecurity event. No action was taken; City Administrator Jeff Dingman stated he would release an informational statement.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution for Mercy Health Bonds – Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Resolution for Denali Water Solutions Lagoon Cleaning – Approved 4-2 (Directors Christina and George Catsavis opposed).
• Resolution for Grit Conveyors (Midwest Automation) – Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Consent Decree Items 4A, 4B, 4C – Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Consent Agenda (Items 5A-5G) – Approved with 5 in favor, 0 opposed; Item 5E had 4 in favor, 1 opposed (Director George Catsavis).
• Officials Forum – Director Christina Catsavis recognized a community-led playground project at IC Elementary. City Administrator noted that the Parrot Island management contract expires in December 2025 and a recommendation for a new operator is expected in October 2025.
• Executive Session: No action; informational statement to be released.